INSTRUCTORS
JODIE M. GORDON, LCSW-C
The mind-body connection is the root of my workout philosophy. I have been instilling this ideology in my clients: athletes, dancers, prenatal/postnatal women, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, mature adults, men and anyone who wants to feel strong and confident since 1998.
I credit my deep appreciation and understanding of the mind/body connection to my experience at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, where I helped children with significant medical, development and emotional challenges. It helped me truly understand the importance of movement and learn to view individuals based on their strengths rather than their limitations. My years of clinical experience influenced my philosophy and mission to help others achieve their physical, mental and spiritual goals.
I motivate clients to improve posture, flexibility, core strength, balance, and maintain strength and bone density as they age.
Credentials:
+ Peak Pilates, Boulder, Colorado — Mat, Reformer, Tower & Cadillac Levels I, II & III, Chair and Barrel Levels I & II
+ Stott Pilates, Toronto, Canada — Mat and Reformer
+ Physical Mind Institute, New York — Mat Pilates
+ Personal Trainer — AFAA
+ University of Maryland — Masters in Clinical Social Work
+ Continued study in other areas of body/mind work such as muscle activation technique, the behavioral aspects of weight loss and weight training, psychological treatment of trauma, and Perimenopause/Menopause
NANCY CARLEN
I bring 10 years of experience to Embody specializing in Mat and Equipment Pilates through Stott and Balanced Body. My unique style allows students to accomplish their fitness goals by building confidence through movement as they develop a balanced outlook of their physical/mind fitness. I have a vast background in personal training, spin instruction, nutrition guidance, as well as a 200 hour certificate in Power Yoga, which combined, creates a fitness experience that is both enjoyable and extremely energetic for all my clients.
KRISTY SOLTESZ
Fifteen years ago, I began a study of Pilates and yoga to correct my posture, alignment and inflexibility. This life-changing experience led to a daily practice and, eventually, my transition from student to instructor. After discovering the positive results of SB Barre classes, I wanted to help others find strength and flexibility, physically and mentally, through SB Barre. Barre can be a challenging exercise for everyone. It’s hard on the muscles, kind on the joints, creates a greater range of motion and provides endurance for all other daily activities—while also inducing confidence and wellbeing. I also hold a Bachelors of Fine Arts from The Cleveland Institute of Art, where I majored in figurative sculpture and studied anatomy for medical illustration.
LAURA ASHLEY WINELANDER
As a dancer, my love for movement started early in life. I moved to New York City in 2005 to pursue a fellowship with Alvin Ailey dance company. During my time dancing in NYC, I discovered a new passion, The Pilates method, where I gained new levels of flexibility and strength. In 2008 I received my full mat and equipment Comprehensive Pilates Certification through Power Pilates in NYC. I worked for several years at Core Pilates NYC and Equinox before starting my own concierge fitness business, Laura Ashley Pilates LLC. Always looking to grow, learn, and expand my knowledge of movement, I was certified through BASI (the Body Arts and Science International) Master Pilates Teacher program, in Costa Mesa, California in 2018. I have spent the last 3 years teaching Pilates, Barre, Spin, and TRX throughout South Florida. I am passionate about teaching to all fitness levels, ages, and pre/post natal through classical, mat, reformer, contemporary, and clinical pilates. I always leave clients feeling motivated, challenged and inspired.
jessicah midy
I am thrilled to be part of Embody’s incredible team supporting the Pilates community of Baltimore!
My life’s passion is for all forms of movement and continues to evolve. I completed a 500-hour training course to earn a Pilates Method Certification through The Lab at Pilates House Baltimore.
I provide individualized training that bridges the gap between Classical and Contemporary Pilates. Each session offers the opportunity to engage the core for greater stability, improve flexibility, build strength, gain better control of everyday movements, and further develop overall endurance. I tailor every workout for the unique body in front of me and enjoy learning as much from my clients as they do from me.
I also hold a BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Interior Design. I am grateful for my 15+ years of experience leading commercial and residential projects globally, including in North America, Europe, and Asia —as I believe the same commitment to form and function influences my Pilates routines as well.
Sonja Sugerman
Sonja is thrilled to be part of Embody’s incredible team supporting the Pilates community of Baltimore! While Sonja has worked professionally in the non-profit world for her whole career, she has a kinesthetic understanding of the body and the ways it can move because of her years of dancing. She first started taking Pilates classes 13 years ago after the birth of her second child and fell in love! Her passion for Pilates grew over the years, and through her third pregnancy, and she believes it is a way to connect and reconnect to your body in an ever evolving way. Sonja is trained in the STOTT PILATES method through C2 Pilates, educated in both Mat and Reformer and is working on adding additional apparatus and specialized training in injury and aging. Sonja’s desire is to help people move with continued strength, flexibility, and ease through all stages of life.
Kelly Hirina
To sustain a professional dance career without injury, Kelly cross-trained in Pilates and yoga while living and working in Europe. Not only did she experience the benefits in both body and mind, but it also helped her increase her potential as an artist. When deciding to retire from performing in 2016, she completed the Pilates equipment training at a boutique studio in Amsterdam to learn to work with all bodies. She then returned to the U.S. to attain her M.F.A. at the University of Michigan and is currently an Assistant Professor of Dance at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University. She loves training a wide range of people from professional athletes to absolute beginners and hopes to ignite the joy for movement through the practice of Pilates.